Palmetto Optimist Club hosts children's book drive

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The Palmetto Optimist Club announces its annual Children's Book Drive, running throughout March. The initiative aims to collect new and gently used children's books to promote literacy and a love for reading among the youth in Sumter.

New books can be purchased at Books-A-Million at Sumter Mall or at Olive Tree & Doolallies at 105 E. Wesmark Blvd. Additionally, donations of used children's books will be accepted at the following locations:

- Foiled Hair Salon, 1337 Peach Orchard Road;

- LS Investment Partners, 618 Bultman Drive, Suite B;

- Sumter Cut Rate, 32 S. Main St.;

- Olive Tree & Doolallies, 105 E Westmark Blvd.; and

- South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive.

The collected books will be distributed to local youth and schools at events such as Reading in the Park, scheduled to take place at Art in the Park on April 20 at Memorial Park. The event is hosted by the Heart of Sumter Neighborhood Association and aims to foster a sense of community and encourage a lifelong love for reading.

"We believe that every child deserves access to quality reading materials," said Jennifer Spann, president of the Palmetto Optimist Club. "Through initiatives like the Reading in the Park and the Children's Book Drive, we hope to inspire young minds and support their educational journey."

The Palmetto Optimist Club encourages individuals, businesses and organizations to participate by donating new or gently used children's books. Together, we can make a positive impact on the lives of children in our community.

For more information about the Children's Book Drive or to inquire about donation drop-off locations, please contact Pam at (803) 468-6163 or PalmettoOptimistClub@gmail.com.